Ghanaian Mettle has a penchant for bravado between the ropes but Wale is not fazed as he prepares to step into the ring for the seventh fight of his professional career.

He said: "I never understand boxers messing about when you hit them because you know you've hurt them then. He looks a strong fighter though. My dad's got a video of him boxing Irish kid Paul Hyland who really set about him and it didn't dint him one bit. He seems to box with his hands down, invites you in then tags you. I've just got to keep everything tidy and not rush in.

"I don't like dwelling on videos though, I just get on with what I'm doing and concentrate on what I want to do to him."

The 20-year-old super-batamweight meets his first international opponent in the Platinum Suite at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane ground on Saturday night and has been ticking over since his last bout two months ago.

Wale said: "I feel brilliant. My weight is bang on. I've never really stopped since last time. I might have had three or four days off after the last fight but I was back in the gym straight away to keep my weight right and fitness levels up. I'm fitter than ever."

Saturday's opponent Mettle is a former Ghanaian and West African champion who has twice gone the distance with current Commonwealth super-batamweight title holder Anyetei Laryea.

The fight - expected to be his last before a summer break - is scheduled for eight rounds and if it were to come down to a points decision it would be the longest bout of Wale's unblemished career.

He said: "I always train for long fights so it should not matter. Obviously if a knockout comes it's nice but a win is what I'm going for. It's been a brilliant boxing season for me and I want to end it on a high then concentrate on getting ready for September or October time."

Tickets for Saturday night's event, which also features former Blades midfielder turned welterweight Curtis Woodhouse, are available by calling 0871 2221889.

VIP ringside and general floor seating, both including a three course meal are £60 and £55 respectively while tickets for boxing only are £25.

A full ringside report of Wale's bout will feature in next week's South Yorkshire Times.